The cover story on the Times-News yesterday was about how many people are surrendering their pets to the shelter because of "the economy". That is such bull. People who were much poorer than the average American -- recession or not -- found ways to take care of their animals in my grandmother's day. Pets ate food scraps until pet food hit the market!

There is no way things are so bad for *most* people right now that they have to send their "beloved" pets to certain death. (Oh, see, the ones given up by their owners by choice are the first to get euthanized. ) Shelters are already overflowing with unwanted animals.

I think it's just an excuse to get rid of the responsibility. I guess people will be handing in their kids next because it costs to put food in their mouths, too.